Edward Orrick McDonnell

Edward Orrick McDonnell (November 13, 1891 – January 6, 1960) was an American vice admiral and Medal of Honor recipient.

Edward Orrick McDonnell
McDonnell as a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman.
Born(1891-11-13)November 13, 1891
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
DiedJanuary 6, 1960(1960-01-06) (aged 68)
Bolivia, North Carolina, U.S.
Buried
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, U.S.
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service1912–1951
RankVice admiral
Battles/warsBattle of Veracruz
World War I
World War II
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

He was born on 13 November 1891 in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1912.[1] He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914.[2][3][4]

On 10 March 1919 Lieutenant Commander McDonnell flew a British-built Sopwith Camel off an overhauled gun turret on the USS Texas and thus became the first man to fly an airplane off a battleship.[5]

RADM McDonnell circa 1948

Admiral McDonnell died in the 1960 bombing of National Airlines Flight 2511 in Bolivia, North Carolina.[6]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Ensign Organization: U.S. Navy Born:13 November 1891, Baltimore, Md. Accredited to: Maryland Date of issue: 12/04/1915

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Posted on the roof of the Terminal Hotel and landing, Ens. McDonnell established a signal station there day and night, maintaining communication between troops and ships. At this exposed post he was continually under fire. One man was killed and 3 wounded at his side during the 2 days' fighting. He showed extraordinary heroism and striking courage and maintained his station in the highest degree of efficiency. All signals got through, largely due to his heroic devotion to duty.[7]

See also

References
Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
  1. "Medal of Honor recipients". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  2. "Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)". United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 2010-07-23. Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  3. "Edward O. McDonnell". United States Naval Academy. Archived from the original on January 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
  4. "Edward Orrick McDonnell". Arlington National Cemetery. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
  5. "BATTLESHIP TEXAS BB35". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
  6. "Ens Edward McDonnell Archives". fireballnotes.com. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
  7. "Ensign McDonnell, Edward Orrick". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2009-03-16.

Namesake

The frigate USS Edward McDonnell was named in his memory.

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